DAC approves variance allowing expanded covered outdoor dining at 1005 North Railroad Avenue with revised public-access condition

The Downtown Action Committee approved a variance request for 1005 North Railroad Avenue that allows increased permanent overhead cover within a designated ground-floor open space tied to a restaurant tenant. The committee voted 4-0 to approve the variance, with conditions that the applicant come into compliance with the minimum tree canopy percentage and that the pedestrian passageway between buildings remain unencumbered at all times while the dining patio may be closed to the public outside of regular business hours for security and operations.

The proposal, presented by applicant representatives, is part of the Nora redevelopment and would house a single-tenant, roughly 10,000-square-foot restaurant with an approximately 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio. Under code, a passageway-category open space permits a maximum of 25% overhead cover; the applicant sought a variance to allow about 52% overhead cover (approximately 1,215.5 square feet) because a…